Grilled Mushroom and Citrus Salad with Bucheret

From the Wine Enthusiast Pairings Book

By Wine Enthusiast

This recipe is adapted from Cooking One-on-One: Lessons from a Master Teacher by John Ash (Clarkson Potter, 2004). Any flavorful cultivated mushroom such as shiitake, oyster, hen of the woods, Portobello, and the like could be used. The mushrooms can also be broiled. For the dressing, the chef suggests toasted hazelnut oil, though any fragrant, toasted nut oil such as walnut, almond, or pecan could be substituted.

Pairing

Focus on the citrus in this multifaceted dish by serving it with a brut sparkling wine from the Pacific Northwest; recommended producers include Argyle from Oregon and Domaine Ste. Michelle from Washington.

Ingredients

For the salad

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons finely minced shallots

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 pounds alba clamshell and Baby Oyster mushrooms

2 quarts lightly packed savory greens, such as a combination of frisée, arugula, and cress

4 cups orange, grapefruit, or pomelo sections

1/2 cup hazelnuts or pecans, shelled and lightly toasted

6 ounces Bucheret (see Note below), sliced into 6 wedges

Savory sprouts, such as daikon, corn, lentil, or fenugreek (optional), for garnish

For the hazelnut vinaigrette

1/3 cup toasted hazelnut oil

1/3 cup grapefruit juice

1 teaspoon brown sugar, or to taste

1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped

Drops of hot sauce, to taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

To prepare the mushrooms: Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, shallots, thyme, salt and pepper. Thread the mushrooms on thin metal or soaked wood skewers and arrange on a baking sheet. Brush with the olive oil mixture and grill over moderately hot coals on both sides until tender and golden brown. Remove the mushrooms from the skewers and slice, if desired.

To make the vinaigrette: In a bowl, whisk the oil, grapefruit juice, and sugar together until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the mint and add drops of hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste.

To finish the salad: In a large bowl, toss the greens with the vinaigrette and arrange on plates with the citrus, grilled mushrooms, toasted nuts, and cheese. Garnish each serving with sprouts, if using, and serve immediately.

Note: You can use any soft ripening cheese you like, but we suggest Redwood Hill Farm’s Bucheret. Good cheese shops may carry it, or you can order directly at 707.823.8299 or www.redwoodhill.com.